Overview & Reviews

Back in the 1990s, the Nissan Maxima was ideally positioned as a bridge between midsize family sedans and out-of-reach European sport sedans thanks to its powerful V6, upscale interior and catchy "Four-Door Sports Car" marketing tagline. These traits, along with Nissan's continual improvements, ensured the Maxima loyal followers and strong name recognition.

Since that time, other automakers have targeted the Maxima's niche and brought out excellent competing models. For a little while, the Maxima struggled to keep up. The current-generation Maxima, however, is again a compelling choice if you're looking for a sedan that provides both performance and luxury.

Current Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan that packs a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Sending the engine's power to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

There are two available trim levels: S and SV. The base-model S is pretty well equipped, with a standard features list that includes amenities like a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a full complement of safety features. SV models pump up the luxury with features like xenon headlights, leather upholstery and a touchscreen interface with a USB/iPod interface.

A pair of packages available on the SV allows buyers to equip their Maxima with either a wealth of luxury/convenience items (Premium) or sportier performance/appearance items (Sport). To either of these, the Technology package adds a number of high-tech features. This all-or-nothing packaging system means the Maxima can get expensive very quickly.

Despite this, our editors have praised the current Nissan Maxima for its powerful V6 engine and well-tuned suspension. It also offers a high-quality interior and many premium features that make it feel like an entry-level luxury car. However, it's priced like an entry-level luxury car, too, which may be a turn-off to those who'd appreciate a luxury badge to match.

Used Nissan Maximas
The current, seventh-generation Maxima debuted for the 2009 model year. Other than slight styling tweaks and variations in standard and optional equipment, it's effectively been unchanged since.

The previous, sixth-generation model spanned 2004-'08. This Maxima was longer, wider and more powerful than earlier models, though it struggled to stand out against the competition.

Two trim levels were offered during this generation: SE and SL. With a slightly stiffer suspension, the SE was the sportier of the two. Standard features included 18-inch wheels, an eight-speaker CD stereo, keyless entry and one-touch up-down front windows. The more luxury-oriented SL offered 17-inch wheels, softer tuning, wood interior trim, heated leather seats, HID headlights and a 320-watt Bose audio system.

Changes were minimal throughout this model's run, so interested shoppers needn't fixate on a particular year. There was a transmission change, however. Maximas from 2007 and 2008 featured a CVT, while earlier models came with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Earlier Nissan CVTs were disappointing, but the Maxima's CVT worked quite well. The V6 offered by the more recent models in this generation boasts 255 hp, while older models list a higher rating (265). This is the result of a new power rating procedure enacted in 2007. Actual engine performance was unchanged.

In our reviews, we determined that the sixth-generation Nissan Maxima offered better power, comfort and interior space compared to other V6-powered, front-drive midsize sedans. This generation Maxima's driving dynamics didn't impress like some other competitors, though. Fit and finish and materials quality were also hit and miss. If you're shopping for a used car in this age range, the Maxima might be worth a look. But we'd also recommend the Acura TSX and VW Passat.

Fifth-generation Nissan Maximas were available from 2000-'03. Key improvements over earlier models were a smooth-revving 222 hp from the standard 3.0-liter V6, a boost in rear-seat legroom and an available 200-watt Bose audio system. At the time, our editors were still impressed with the car's power and interior room but were increasingly skeptical of its value. Further upgrades in 2002 included a bump in displacement (3.5 liters) and power (255 hp) to help keep the Maxima at least marginally ahead of Nissan's V6-powered Altima sedan.

Cars built for the 1995-'99 model years constitute the fourth generation. For this Maxima, Nissan added length, improved the quality of the interior and introduced a new 190-hp all-aluminum V6 for all trim levels, which was arguably the gold standard in its day for responsiveness and refinement. Its handling wasn't quite as responsive as the previous version and its styling wasn't very well received, but it was still very popular given its desirable combination of utility, performance and luxury.

The third-generation car was built for the 1989-'94 model years. Nissan was enjoying a product renaissance at the time, and this was the first Nissan Maxima with true sporting credentials. Unlike other Japanese midsize sedans, the Maxima came with a V6 only and an optional manual transmission. Early versions had a 160-hp V6; a 190-hp engine became available in 1992 for the Maxima SE. A second-gen Maxima was available from 1985-'88.

The Maxima is one of Nissan's most historic vehicles in the U.S. market. Known originally as the Datsun 810, it officially became Maxima in 1982 -- also the year that the Datsun brand began its metamorphosis into Nissan.

User Reviews:

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  Love Nissans - 01 SE No Exception! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By LovMyNissan - February 3 - 9:10 am

  This is my second Nissan Maxima. My first was a 94 SE, which I loved dearly; it had almost 200,000 miles on it, didnt need any major repairs, and was fantastic, until someone hit me and totaled it. Anyway, I purchased the 2001 SE this winter from a private seller, and couldnt be happier. Mine is "Sunlit Sand", with tan leather seats, moonroof, Bose system, auto everything, spoiler, the works. Its comfortable, stylish, and very well put together - everything I expect from a Nissan. I saw that others have had unfortunate experiences with theirs, but I am still a proud believer in these cars. As long as you take care of it, it will take care of you!

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  Cant Believe Its Mine! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Must be dreaming - January 31 - 7:13 pm

  From an over priced E350 to my dream car. Once I got over my love affair with the tri-star emblem and really started looking for value, the choice was clear. From the first picture in a magazine to the brochure in the mail to the test drive, I knew I had to have this car. Couldnt choose between silver or precision gray, flipped a coin and walked away with a precision gray beauty with a spoiler that says bye to cars behind me. I normally lease but purchased this one because I can see myself in it for a long time to come.

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  Its a good car at a good price - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick Roland - January 28 - 6:20 pm

  This is my first Maxima I have always been a fan of the Maxima. I have had the car for a year now and have put 6,500 miles on it and it has been a pleasure to drive. I have had a few rattle problems which have been fixed and belt trim the chrome pieces on the roof have been replaced twice due to fading.

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  2007 Nissan Maxima SL - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By T.H. - January 28 - 5:53 pm

  I love all the luxury features, and friends that ride in it are impressed as well. Originally, I was looking at the 2006, but didnt care for the interior "shammy" type material that surrounded the cabin. Glad I waited for the 2007, it is upgraded to a classier feel/look of higher quality suede. I chose the SL also to get the non-perforated leather, very decadent. It is FUN to drive, aggressive engine response from a stop and while passing on the highway. The CVT is refreshing; no more shift shock, which is really nice when commuting in heavy traffic that is moving at a wide range of speeds at any given time during the trip. Preferred Pkg is a must to really truly enjoy the luxury.

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  dont buy it - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By andrew - January 24 - 4:16 am

  I read all the reviews here and I am in the same situation,, the wors car Ive have it.. I bout mine with 74 mi. after 3 moths driving many issues appers, problem with the body valvu, shifts, slip, sensors, wow I got headed, with this car,, after fixed a problem.. weeks later comes another issues.... beautifull but the worst inside

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  Disappointed with 2005 Maxima SE - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Bailey - January 22 - 4:53 am

  At 34,600 miles, my brake light and battery light began to blink intermittently. I took it to the Nissan dealer the next day and the service writer told me it was most likely a bad alternator. Four hours and $671.56 later the car was repaired. I did not buy the extended warranty so I paid for it in full. The next day I called Nissans customer service line to see if there were any recalls or if there was any way they could at least give me a break on the price of the alternator ($345.00). Of course, there were no recalls, and no, they would not reimburse me for the replacement cost of the faulty alternator. Sorry, Nissan, I will not purchase or recommend a Nissan product again.

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  A GREAT Car!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Jess - January 21 - 9:30 pm

  With 120,000 miles, no problems still, and incredibly smooth ride....I love my Maxima! Whenever someone gets in it, they always compliment how smooth the ride is. It has a lot of power too!

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  3rd Maxima - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By jspagna1 - January 21 - 6:54 am

  Like the title says this our 3rd Maxima. Just picked it up 2 weeks ago. Car only has 400+ miles. Traded in a loaded 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD and wife just never liked that car and now somes home every day asying she loves her new Maxima. This is our 3rd Maxima. Owned a 92 and still own an 03. You just get a lot of car for the money. Now hopefully it will be as reliable as the first one was. Keep you posted.

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  Great car! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jlar - January 18 - 3:10 pm

  I have owned my Maxima for 3 years. Purchased with 184 000 Kilometers on it and now has over 245k. It has awesome power, comfortable ride, great features. Really no complaints. Only issue I had was an engine light that was related to an oil pressure sensor. Engine light would stay out for 3 months and then come on everytime i changed the oil. didnt hinder the performance at all.

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  best car <$30K - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By maximaguy - January 18 - 3:53 am

  Had a 96 with almost 100K miles on it--no problems whatsoever. Sprung for the 2002 since they had the rebate and is worth it for the amount paid.